Toronto

Man arrested for assault in hate-motivated investigation in Scarborough: police

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A Toronto Police Services logo is shown at headquarters, in Toronto, on Friday, August 9, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov

A man has been arrested after a person was allegedly assaulted inside a retail store in Scarborough on Monday.

Police say they are investigating the incident as a hate-motivated assault.

It happened in the area of Finch Avenue East and McCowan Road. Police allege the suspect made anti-Muslim comments before approaching the victim.

The suspect then allegedly assaulted the victim without provocation and continued making anti-Muslim comments during, and after, the assault.

Police said they located and arrested the suspect nearby. He was allegedly armed with a weapon.

Sharan Karunakaran, 31, of Toronto, is charged with possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and an offence motivated by hatred - assault causing bodily harm.

The charges have not been tested in court.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-3505 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.